Sammendrag
Ethical Reflections on Immigrant Research � English abstract. In this article it is argued that questions on methodology and scientific paradigms in research on immigrants are ethically loaded. The conceptual frames within which the questions are raised have important bearings upon the argumentation itself. Concepts like �group�, �ethnicity� and �culture� are questioned, and it is argued that the application of these concepts might strengthen orthodox opinions about immigrants. A particular case that is referred to in the article, is the murder of Sweedish-Kurdian Fadime. Some have labelled this action �a murder of honour�, while others have called it a misdeed by a sick man. This is contested among Muslims and Kurds. The term �murder of honour� might be dangerous, because the action in question is thereby easily related to particular groups among immigrants. It is argued that immigrants should rather be conceived of in terms of their particular interests that are brought forth at the public agenda, as opposed to being referred to in essentialist terms based upon group identity. Furthermore, questions about toleration and equal respect are important to the argument. The concept of positive toleration, which indicates that the society at large should engage in so-called �internal� conflicts, is defended. In the opposite case, we would only tolerate in a negative sense, without a moral commitment to engage in the other. By questioning (internally) contested concepts, we open up for critical reflections on immigrants� interests. This is an ethical imperative that researchers in the field of immigrants should pay attention to.
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